NBA Rumors: Celtics Overhaul May Not Include Injury-Prone Star Guard

The Boston Celtics are undergoing a major change from the top-down, highlighted by Danny Ainge stepping down to retire as the team’s head of basketball operations.

Erstwhile Brad Stevens will also leave his post as head coach of the Cs to take over from the NBA legend.

All these highlighted a busy day following the Celtics’ ouster from the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

"I'm excited to tackle this new role, starting with a wide-ranging and comprehensive search for our next head coach. I love the Celtics, and know the great honor and responsibility that comes with this job. I will give it everything I have to help us be in a position to consistently compete for championships," Stevens stated.

Hence, more moves are expected to follow. Could this include the plight of Kemba Walker?

The 31-year-old guard has struggled through injuries, something that added to the woes of the Celtics.

Walker had a good first season with the Bean Town squad, averaging 20.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 56 games.

He somehow managed to keep up those averages. But playing lesser games is the big issue. He missed key outings in the past two seasons–including that of Games 4 and 5 of their first-round date with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Celtics could look into the possibility of trading the four-time All-Star. But in the eyes of unnamed executives, that could be easier said than done.

Some feel that Walker holds negative trade value, meaning Boston would have to sweeten the deal for it to go down.

This could come in the form of future picks and other assets if the Celtics decide to part ways with the 6-foot guard, The Athletic reported.

“Kemba Walker is one of the most overpaid players in the NBA and league sources expect the Celtics to explore moving him in a trade to help create some current and future salary flexibility and reduce what is currently set to be the highest tax bill in team history,” Brian Robb of MassLive said.

As of this writing, it remains to be seen which team would take a chance on Walker. Given his injury history, the number of clubs willing to gamble remains to be seen.